How I Got Here: Abner Gonsalves, CAE
Associations NowOne exec's journey from reggae promoter at a local nightclub to partner relations manager at a healthcare career-matching service.
Abner Gonsalves, CAE
Partner Relations Manager, Health eCareers
Alexandria, Virginia
During college in Providence, Rhode Island, Abner Gonsalves, CAE, booked entertainment and handled some management duties for a local night club. While that may seem far removed from his subsequent association management work and his current job as a partner relations manager at a healthcare career-matching service, he says the networking and customer service skills he learned back then have applied all along. Other highlights from his career journey:
Hard work never betrays the worker.—Abner Gonsalves, CAE, Health eCareers
1996–2003 Reggae Promoter and Nightclub Manager at Century Lounge Nightclub
2006–2007 General Manager at Bally Total Fitness
2007–2010 Marketing Specialist at American Institute of Architects
2010–2012 Director of Marketing and Strategic Business Development at American Academy of Physician Assistants
2012–2015 CEO at Think Management
2015– Public Relations Manager at Health eCareers